Style Shoot In The Country

Hello!

I write this blog, still on a high after my successful debut styling shoot. After months of planning, the day finally arrived....along with a weather forecast for heavy rain and storms. Oh dear! I lost count of the times I anxiously checked the weather app. Realising Mother Nature had a mind of her own, which I could not control, I pressed on with the last minute planning optimistically. My sister couldn't have timed her visit better - it was great to have her support and assistance.

We packed the car and drove to the photographer's studio for the first outfit fitting with the models, Bec and Bree - both gorgeous country girls - and then headed off to the first of several rural locations.

The blue sky with white clouds gradually turned dark grey as the storm approached, providing a brilliant backdrop for our photos. Then the drops of rain began and we raced to the last location for the finale shoot. As we arrived, heavy rain was setting in but we were determined to get that last shoot done. The photos ended up being sensational. Watch this space to see more, can't wait to show you :)

This week I'm treating you to some behind-the-scenes photos from the styling shoot, done country style.

                                            The lovely Bec

Merlin the Lab makes his modelling debut, with the lovely Bree

Change room - country style!

                                           Could be a scene from The Dressmaker

                                          What better way to show off this bag?

                                           The talented Sue in action

Now sit back and enjoy a behind-the-scenes video. Just a suggestion, watch it on full screen for better quality (my first go at video editing, so apologies in advance).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTnNZIo126s

All of this wouldn't have happened without my amazing team. Huge thanks to Bec, Bree and photographer, Sue Davis, for being so amazing, enthusiastic and fun to work with, and look forward to future collaborations together. And special thanks to my sister, Pammy, and adorable hubby, Grant, and daughter, Olive, for being so supportive. Love you lots.

Chat next week!

Nicky xx

Australian Style

 

G'day!

 

Thought I'd welcome you Aussie style ahead of our national `Australia Day' holiday. For those abroad, Australia Day marks the anniversary of when our great country was founded some 228 years ago.

 

We're famous for our meat pies, vegemite, Uluru, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Hugh Jackson, the Hemsworth brothers and other Hollywood Aussie exports, Mick Dundee and the outback, our wildlife, and our beaches, the list goes on.....  

 

In the bush, it's the windmills, the merino sheep, the kelpies (our best mates), the water tanks, the large verandahs, the sponge cakes, lamingtons and roasts, the flies, the mozzies, the cicadas, luminous crops, blazing hot summer days, dust storms, and the endless stunning sunsets that's typical of our great country, and which is a normal part of our life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then there are our Aussie style icons and designers who've had an impact far beyond our great country such as the Akubra hat, RM Williams, Ugg Australia (making a mark internationally during the northern hemisphere winter), Camilla Franks, Camilla and Marc, Bec & Bridge, Zimmerman, Sass & Bide, Ellery and Maticevski among many.

 

Which brings me to Australia Day style, featuring four styled outfits to give you some inspiration, factoring in the typical body shapes.

 

Hourglass: hips and shoulders are similar width with a defined and noticeably smaller waist
Rectangle: shoulders, waist and hips all similar in width
I shape: boyish shape, also known as a narrow rectangle
Triangle: shoulders are narrower than the hips
Inverted Triangle: shoulders are broader than the hips
Oval: waist is wider than the shoulders and hips  

 

Outfit #1 - Fun and Quirky

 

 

Spread the Australia Day celebration fun in overalls, bright print t-shirt, platform sandals and retro sunnies. Add a sunny yellow backpack, some red lippy and an Aussie wrist watch.

 

Triangle shape

• the bright pattern of the t-shirt and overall straps draw attention to the upper part of the body away from fuller bottom area
• ensure the t-shirt is fitted and visually defines your shape under the overalls
• the all-white of the overalls doesn't draw attention to any specific part of the lower body, and visually lengthens the silhouette
• the platform sandals add height while being comfy

I shape

• the bright pattern and colours of the t-shirt add interest to the silhouette
• ensure the t-shirt is fitted and visually defines your body shape under the overalls

  

Outfit #2 - Country

 
Head to the bush and celebrate Australia Day country style this long weekend. Team a fitted white shirt with an A-line skirt and Ugg Australia ankle boots to fit right in. Accessorise with simple stud earrings, wrist watch, Ray Ban sunnies, some lip gloss, and don't forget the leather overnight bag.

 

Hourglass figure

• the clean cut lines and simplicity of the shirt and skirt is flattering to the figure
• ensure shirt is tucked in so skirt can define waistline
• undo blouse buttons to create open neckline
• A-line skirt skims over curves
• a fitted shirt helps to define bust and waist
• the vertical line of skirt zipper visually lengthens the silhouette

Inverted triangle 

• undo blouse buttons to create open neckline
• a fitted shirt helps to define body shape
• ensure shirt is tucked in so skirt can define waistline
• an A-line skirt helps to balance the lower half of the body to broader upper area
• the vertical line of skirt zipper visually lengthens the silhouette

Rectangle/I shape

• undo blouse buttons to create open neckline (if flat chested, not necessary)
• a fitted shirt helps to define body shape
• create shape and waistline by ensuring shirt is tucked in to skirt

Triangle shape

• undo blouse buttons to create open neckline, and add necklace to help to draw attention to upper part of body away from lower half (if larger)
• the simple cut of the skirt doesn't draw unwanted attention to lower half of body, and skims over curves
• the vertical line of the skirt zipper visually lengthens the silhouette

 

Outfit #3 - Casual

Get into the casual mood of Australia Day celebrations with a denim sleeveless shirt tied at waist, paired with beige shorts and flat tan sandals. Accessorise with leather wrist cuff, tan fringe bag, sunnies, some lip gloss and of course the iconic Akubra hat.

 

Hourglass figure 

• undo shirt buttons to create open neckline 
• waist tie of shirt highlights enviable waistline
• ensure shorts have minimal detail on hip area

Inverted triangle

• undo shirt buttons to create open neckline
• waist tie of shirt highlights waistline though ensure midriff is not exposed if have tummy
• buckles on shorts waistline draws eye downwards, adding interest to lower part of body (if conscientious about broader top half)
• ensure shorts have some flare in legs to balance overall silhouette

I shape 

• undo short buttons to create open neckline though can leave done up if flat chested
• waist tie of shirt helps to create shape
• buckles on shorts waistline add interest, as does cuff

Triangle shape

• undo shirt buttons to create open neckline and add necklace to draw attention to upper part of body
• opt for plain shorts with minimal details on hip area

 

Outfit #4 - Beach

 

Those lucky enough to be spending Australia Day on the beach, celebrate in a stylish maxi dress like one designed by iconic Australian designer, Camilla Franks. Team it with flat gladiator sandals, wrist cuff, large straw hat to protect from the sun, some lip gloss and a of course a beach bag.

 

I shape 

• pattern on neckline adds interest
• add belt if desired to create a waistline

Triangle shape 

• pattern on neckline adds interest to upper part of body, and add earrings instead of cuff to enhance the effect
• ensure dress skims over curves
• belt is preferable to define waist and create shape

O shape

• pattern on neckline helps draw the eye to your face, add earrings to enhance the effect, along with hat and lippy
• ensure dress skims over curves but is not baggy
• the eye catching print of the dress keeps the eye moving rather than focussed undesirably on specific parts of the body

I hope this gives you some style inspo for Australia Day and to those abroad as spring approaches. Outfit details can be found at http://whatsmystyle.polyvore.com/. Also check out styling tips for the off-the-shoulder trend http://whatismystyle1.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/how-to-nail-off-shoulder-trend.html.


I hope you also enjoyed the insight, through the above pics, into life here in country Australia.


Would love to hear, see and share what you love about your own country and life.


Until next week, take care.


Nicky xx




 

 

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How To Nail The Off-The-Shoulder Trend

Hello!

 

This week's trend focus is on off-the-shoulder outfits. We see them everywhere we look (well those of us experiencing summer) but rather than run off and buy a top or dress, do your homework to ensure you know how to best style them according to your body shape.

 

The off-the-shoulder design is a great alternative for those wanting to bare some skin but are conscientious about their upper arms. But be mindful of the fullness of some of these tops, the lack of shape, and stiff fabric which can be unflattering and make you look larger than what you are. I want to help you avoid this by styling four outfits with tips for the common body shapes. These are:

 

Hourglass - hips and shoulders are similar width with a defined and noticeably smaller waist
Rectangle (boyish shape as well but slimmer) - shoulders, waist and hips all similar in width
Triangle - shoulders are narrower than the hips
Inverted Triangle - shoulders are broader than the hips
Oval - waist is wider than the shoulders and hips

 

Read on!

 

Outfit #1 - Classic

 

Pair a white off-the-shoulder top with dark jeans, or cream trousers for a more monochromatic look. Cinch in at waist with a rope belt with jeans for a more casual vibe or dress it up with a tan buckle belt and trousers. Accessorise with earrings, tan saddle bag and heels, and lippy for a pop of colour.

 

Hourglass

• Opt for monochromatic look/tonal colours which are more flattering and visually lengthen the silhouette
• Opt for plain, straight leg pants for a more balanced silhouette
• Cinch in at waist with belt to highlight waistline

Inverted Triangle

• Opt for wide leg pants to balance silhouette. Skinny jeans can be worn but ideally with boots to balance shape of lower legs with upper body
• Cinch in at waist with belt to define shape
• Opt for wrist cuff, statement ring or belt, rather than earrings to ensure there isn't too much attention to shoulder area if broad

Rectangle

• Cinch top in with belt on the hip area to give shape
• Can wear skinny jeans

Triangle

• The off-the-shoulder top draws focus to the upper part of the body, away from the hip area
• Cinch in at waist to define shape 
• Opt for trousers that are plain and straight cut 
• If wearing jeans, choose darker denim as more flattering, and avoid side and hip pockets that draw attention to the hip area
• Tonal colours preferable to visually lengthen the silhouette

Outfit #2 - Casual

 

 

Standout in a mustard yellow top paired with a denim skirt. Add sneakers for a casual vibe or dress up with heels. Accessorise with gold hoop earrings, a white bangle and sunglasses, and tan bag to complement the mustard yellow and denim colours. Add some lippy for another fun pop of colour.

 

Hourglass

• Ensure the length of the top ends at the waist (but not showing skin) so that it is defined by the skirt
• Ensure the skirt has minimal hip/back pockets to avoid attention to the hip area if conscientious
• The A-line skirt is flattering to shape and skims over the body, ending just below the knees

Inverted Triangle

• The A-line flare of the skirt helps to balance the lower part of the silhouette while defining the waist, giving shape 

Rectangle

• The top adds interest to the upper part of the body while the skirt gives shape by defining the waist  

Triangle

• The style and colour of the top draws attention to upper part of the body along with earrings
• Ensure the skirt has minimal hip/back pockets to avoid attention to the hip area 
• The A-line skirt skims over the curves to just below the knees
• The bag is small and doesn't draw too much attention to the hip area

Outfit #3 - Nautical

 

Go for a nautical look while it's still summer and all things beachy. Pair a stripe top with white jeans and add white sneakers. Silver jewellery looks great with white - opt for simple earrings and watch - and add a white fedora, navy tote bag (for your beach needs) and some coral lip gloss for a natural look.

 

Hourglass

• While off-the-shoulder tops are flattering, be careful of horizontal stripes especially if have big bust. The wider the stripe, the wider and shorter the area will appear. Opt for vertical stripes or block colour. 
• Ensure jeans are plain and straight or boot cut to ensure balance to the lower part of the silhouette

Inverted Triangle

• Ensure jeans are straight, boot cut or wide leg to ensure balance to lower part of the silhouette. Can have pockets

Rectangle

• Opt for vertical stripes particularly if you have short waist and ensure the top ends just below the hip bone
• Opt for pants with straight leg

Triangle  

• Ensure the pants are plain and straight, with minimal pockets to avoid drawing attention to hip area

 

Outfit #4 - Curvy

 

This style of dress is versatile in that it can be worn casually with sandals or dressed up with fabulous heels. I actually have these heels and can attest to how fabulous they look with black! Accessorise with statement earrings, black sunnies and a black saddle bag that's suitable for most occasions. 

• The dark block colour is visually slimming and the tie belt defines the waist and gorgeous curves.
• If larger, place belt higher above, not on tummy, or remove it and rely on fabulous accessories
• The three-quarter sleeves are flattering while hiding the arms if conscientious
• The style of the dress skims over, not clings to, the curves
• The neckline and earrings draw attention to your gorgeous face

I hope this gives you some guidance on how to style off-the-shoulder tops in a way that suits you. Details of these outfits can be found at http://whatsmystyle.polyvore.com/?filter=overview

Look forward to sharing more trend tips next week. 

Nicky xx

 




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How To Style A Slip Dress

Hello, and Happy New Year!

 

Apologies for the absence over the last few days - like many, I opted to take a break and spend it with my gorgeous three-year-old daughter Olive, husband Grant, kelpies Clancy, Banjo and Millie, and of course, our chooks Peppa and Dora. Oh, and then there was the visiting family! 


If you follow me on Instagram (Whatismystyle) and Twitter (What's My Style), you'll see that I post some personal pics to mix it up a little and to give a glimpse of my life, not just as a stylist, but a farmer / wool producer (which is used to make many of the clothes you wear). It also allows me to indulge in my other love of photography. Watch this space as I am planning some styling photo shoots on the land - can't wait for it to all come together. I will continue to do styled outfits with advice/tips on how to wear them factoring in body shape and current trends. I'd love to hear your suggestions and aim to blog at least weekly to begin with.

 

So let's get on with it, starting with the Slip Dress. Given trends tend to move in 20-year-cycles, it's no surprise to see the 90s inspired slip dress re-emerge. Although some may baulk at wearing a slip dress, if conscientious about your body shape, the slip dress is great for its simplicity and versatility. I have styled it three different ways to show you.


Casual

Pair a slip dress with a kimono jacket for a casual vibe. Add a thin belt to cinch in the waist or let it flow over the dress. Just add earrings for jewellery. Sneakers, a backpack and retro sunnies give a sporty twist, adding interest to the outfit. Keep the make-up natural with lip gloss. The kimono is great for covering up areas of body that you may be conscientious about. Be sure the fabric of the slip dress skims over, not clings to the body.

 

Inverted triangle (shoulders broader than hips)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Slip dress has subtle flare giving balance to lower part of body
• Dress and kimono give softness and femininity to the body shape
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to define waistline
• Opt for smaller earrings or instead a wrist cuff or statement ring to draw attention away for broad shoulders

 Hourglass (hips, shoulders similar width with defined waist)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to highlight enviable waistline
• While fringe on kimono is a tonal colour to the dress, suggest opting for one with clean cut lines to avoid making hips look visually larger
• Shoes are similar colour to dress, visually lengthening the silhouette especially for those who are shorter, or opt for similar coloured or nude heeled sandals

 Rectangle (shoulders, waist and hips similar width)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to define waistline

 Triangle (hips bigger than shoulders)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to give shape
• While fringe on kimono is a tonal colour to the dress, suggest opting for one with clean cut lines to avoid making hips look visually larger
• Keep pattern on kimono relatively tonal
• The kimono pattern, along with statement earrings and lip colour will draw the eye to the upper part of the body away from the hips
• If shorter, opt for similar coloured or nude heeled sandals

 
Work

Opt for a longer cream slip dress and pair it with a smart vest making it workplace appropriate. Or wear the slip dress under a skirt and add vest if necessary. The vest and/or skirt can later be removed, transforming it into an After 5 outfit. Add fabulous heels, earrings and a wrist cuff, and an orange bag and shade of lippy for a pop of colour.

Inverted triangle

• Has a flattering neckline
• The vest, slip and skirt add softness and femininity to the shape
• The vest and skirt define the waistline
• Wear vest with slip dress as the thin straps on the slip will emphasize broad shoulders; the wide shoulder straps on the vest avoid this
• The asymmetric angle of the vest, along with wrist cuff , handbag and interesting shoes draw attention away for broad shoulders
• The flare in the skirt gives balance to the lower part of the silhouette

 Rectangle

• Has a flattering neckline
• The style of the vest and skirt gives shape and defines the waist
• Can wear slip without vest

 Triangle

• Can also wear slip without vest as will draw eye upwards away from hips
• Opt for necklace rather than wrist cuff to also attract attention to the upper part of the body
• Open neckline flattering while belted vest defines the waistline
• Opt for tonal colours to visually lengthen the silhouette

 

 After 5

Contrast the femininity of the slip dress with an edgy black leather jacket, studded heels and ear cuffs. Add a clutch with interesting detail and red shade of lippy for pop of colour. Again ensure the fabric of the slip slims over, not clings to the body.


Rectangle

• Opt for fitted leather jacket to define the waistline and wear it open

 Triangle

• Can pull this outfit off if have the height, with heels
• Ensure the leather jacket is fitted and cropped for your body shape and wear it open to show the full silhouette and colour of the slip dress to help visually lengthen the body
• The jacket, along with ear cuffs and lip colour, will draw attention to the upper part of the body, away from the hips

 

I hope this inspires you to try a slip dress, perfect for those warm summer days. But as I mentioned, its versatility lends itself to be suitably styled for trans-seasonal wear and even for the colder months. Use your imagination!

 

Until next time, stay safe and well.

Nicky xx

 

 

 

 

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